UNICEF Packs Boxes with Humanitarian Supplies

Keeping Syria's Children Warm: Why We Volunteer

UNICEF USA spoke on Saturday with some of the volunteers who gathered at a facility in Carteret, New Jersey to provide warm clothing kits for children affected by the war in Syria.

Chelsea Peters Thelma Garcia for Julie Skarratt Photography

 

Chelsea Peters: This has been one of the most powerful experiences I've ever had with UNICEF.Knowing that I'm helping one child bear the winter a little bit warmer or better, it goes a long way. Putting clothes and supplies in a box and knowing that the next time that box is opened a child is going to know that we're looking out for them and that UNICEF is there to support and help them be safe and healthy and warmer during these winter months. The impact that we're having is one of the most unique experiences  I've had working here.

Chelsea Peters has worked for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for almost three years. She is a Senior Officer for the Major Gifts team in New York.      

Nicole Neal Thelma Garcia for Julie Skarratt Photography

 

Nicole Neal:  For Next Generation, it's a perfect opportunity for us to come togetherand make sure that these children can stay warm. We are just really excited and humbled to be here today to be able to pack up boxes of winter clothes that are so absolutely necessary for the children refugees in Syria. Some of our Next Generation members reached into their contacts and had an amazing amount of clothes donated.

Nicole Neal, originally from Texas and now in the Connecticut/New York region, is a member of UNICEF Next Generation's New York Steering Committee.       

Dirar Hakeem Thelma Garcia for Julie Skarratt Photography

 

Dirar Hakeem: I live in Washington D.C, and I came last night to help. I'm from Syria myself. I just thought it would be nice to give and do something to help the tragedy that's unfolding in my country now. You feel powerless when you watch the news and read about all the destruction and death. When I started to do this, I felt quite emotional. It was exciting to feel that you're doing something to help those children. They're in those camps, but they're going to be receiving those boxes and opening those things for the cold winter.

Dirar Hakeem traveled from Washington D.C. to Carteret, New Jersey to volunteer for the U.S. Fund Stack and Pack event.      

To see more photos from the Stack and Pack, visit UNICEF USA on Facebook. and please, help UNICEF keep Syria's children warm this winter.

Thelma Garcia for Julie Skarratt Photography